Christkindlmarkt

I thought everyone in the United States was crazy about Christmas... but Austrians take it to a whole new level! Decorations were up all over Salzburg by early November (before Thanksgiving, when most Americans turn on lights and trees).  Recently, the Christkindlmarkt's opened as well! These are markets with hand made crafts, christmas decorations, food, traditional Austrian things for sale.  There are several all over town; there is even one up in the Castle!


First, my host family took me to Schloss Helbrunn, the summer palace of royalty.  Here Alexandra got to ride ponies, trains, and participate in childrens events.  I found a giraffe and elephant cookie cutter here, and ate Bosnas (traditional Austrian food).


In the Old Town there is a very large market which I also included pictures from.  I have been through the market two or three times and see new things all the time, it is so huge! One day walking to class I accidently found ANOTHER Christkindlmarkt in an beer garden--they are literally everywhere! (But so awesome.)

Kids tent with a fire for cooking sausage and s'mores!
Schloss Helbrunn

Alexandra riding her favorite pony.
Schloss Helbrunn.

The market I ran into on accident.

Hand made squirrel! In the main market in
the Old Town.

Lots of ornaments everywhere!

Traditional food... pretzles, beer, punsch, schnapps

yummmm!

Main market in the Old Town.

Really cool hand crafted clay decoration tent.